Vol. 554 No. 5
411 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will investigate the length of time people are waiting to be assessed by the Medical Board of Appeal in relation to the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme 1994; and his plans to reduce the average waiting time for appeal assessment. [16113/02]
My Department has no involvement in the operation of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal. However, I am informed that there is currently a backlog of appeals to be dealt with by the board. I understand that the length of time a person waits to be assessed by the board can vary from 12 to 18 months. This is an indication of the level of demand for tax relief under the scheme. In addition, the backlog seem to be exacerbated by the fact that many of those who appeal to the board are aware that they do not meet the medical criteria specified in the regulations but still insist on exercising their right of appeal.
I am currently examining the Interdepartmental Report on the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme which contains recommendations relating to the Medical Board of Appeal.
